Malta and its sister islands, Gozo and Comino, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, boast a year-round sunny and moderate climate and 8,000 years of intriguing history. It is no wonder that “The Bachelor” selected Malta for one of its episodes (E4) from the latest season. With its picturesque backdrops, coastal views, historic architecture, and sites that create a romantic ambiance, Malta is the best destination for stunning wedding settings as well as unforgettable honeymoons. It is also a unique setting for Jewish weddings. The Jews have a historic presence in Malta dating back to the Phoencians. Today, Malta has a small but thriving Jewish community, making Malta a stunning location for Jewish weddings.
Malta, home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is perfect for couples who are looking for unique and memorable venues. Valletta itself, Malta’s Capital built by the proud Knights of St. John, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers plenty of spectacular historic settings. In addition to luxury hotels, baroque palaces with gardens, and converted farmhouses (in Gozo), some of these historical venues are themselves Heritage Malta sites, such as St. Angelo Hall, the Terrace at the Malta Maritime Museum, Egmont Hall at Fort St. Angelo, Castellania Courtyard, and the Garden at the Inquisitor’s Palace. Couples opting for a Monday through Thursday wedding will only have to pay for set-up and catering and are exempt from venue rental fees. Discounts are also available at other Heritage Malta sites if the wedding is held Monday through Thursday.
Planning a Jewish Destination Wedding in Malta
Recently, a young couple, Yonathan and Leah Simha Parenti, organized their kosher Jewish wedding at the historic Phoenicia Malta Hotel, located at the entrance to Valletta. They explained why they decided on Malta, “We were delighted to do our wedding in Malta, as the island has a very special place in our hearts and has a very long historical Jewish presence as a legacy over the centuries. Being able to connect spiritually and to do our Chuppah at The Phoenicia Malta, which itself is a beautiful location that conveys both harmony, spirituality, and love, was really a gift from God for us. We will remember the day forever.”
Robyn Pratt, The Phoenicia Malta General Manager, noted that logistically, “It is much easier to organize now that there is a local rabbi who can officiate and actually manage all logistics between the Bride and Groom and the hotel to ensure that the relevant procedures had been handled correctly.” Pratt further explained that since the hotel’s pool kitchen was not in use from November through March, they were able to conduct all necessary procedures in the kitchen so that all the food was prepared in accordance with the laws of Kashrut. A team from Israel was flown in as well to oversee the preparations.
Honeymoons
Following a wedding held in Malta, couples then have time to explore and discover the diversity of the Maltese Islands. With something for every interest, the possibilities are endless, ranging from the cosmopolitan side of Malta to the lure of Calypso’s Isle, Gozo, and the solitude of Comino.
Local Contacts for Organizing a Jewish Wedding
Rabbi Haim Segal segalc@gmail.com
More information on weddings in Malta may be found at: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/weddings-in-malta/, where couples can also find the 4 official Destination Wedding Planners for contacts in Malta.
Malta Marriage Registry to learn more about the documents required to get married in Malta:
About Malta
Malta and its sister islands, Gozo and Comino, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, boast a year-round sunny climate and 8,000 years of intriguing history. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Valletta, Malta’s Capital, built by the proud Knights of St. John. Malta has the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, showcasing one of the British Empire’s most formidable defense systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military structures from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. Rich in culture, Malta has a year-round calendar of events and festivals, attractive beaches, yachting, trendy gastronomical scene with 7 Michelin-starred restaurants and a thriving nightlife, there is something for everyone.
For more information on Malta, please visit www.VisitMalta.com.
